DANB CPFDA key terms

An acidic gel or liquid, usually phosphoric acid, applied to enamel to create microscopic pores so sealant resin can flow in and bond mechanically.

The process of conditioning enamel with acid to remove a thin surface layer and open prism ends, producing a frosted, high-energy surface for resin retention.

The network of tiny etched channels in enamel created by acid conditioning; resin tags penetrate these spaces and hold the sealant in place.

A finger-like projection of sealant resin that extends into an etched enamel pore, anchoring the material to the tooth surface.

The chalky, matte-white appearance of enamel after proper acid etching; a shiny or wet-looking area signals inadequate etching or contamination.

Keeping the working field dry and free of saliva, blood, and tongue movement, typically with cotton rolls, dry angles, or a rubber dam, so materials bond and set properly.

Contact of an etched or sealed surface with saliva or water, which blocks resin penetration and causes sealant loss; the area must be re-etched and dried.

How well a sealant stays bonded to the tooth over time; assessed at recall by visual inspection and probing, and the main measure of sealant success.

Partial or complete loss of sealant material, often from moisture contamination, incomplete etching, or occlusal wear, requiring repair or replacement.

Sealant resin may contain filler particles for wear resistance or be unfilled for deeper flow into pits and fissures; both are effective when placed correctly.

A structured evaluation of a patient's decay history, diet, fluoride exposure, plaque, and tooth anatomy used to decide who needs sealants or other preventive care.

An early, non-cavitated lesion confined to enamel, appearing white and chalky, that may be arrested or managed preventively rather than restored.

Placing sealant over a small, non-cavitated, arrested or active incipient lesion to cut off bacterial substrate; decision depends on lesion depth and monitoring ability.

Cleaning the tooth surface with pumice or a bristle brush to remove plaque and debris; a fluoride-free paste is used so residual fluoride does not interfere with etching.

Reduced etching effectiveness when fluoride-containing paste or gel remains on enamel and forms fluoride-rich compounds that resist acid; thorough rinsing avoids this.

Using a rotating rubber cup with prophylaxis paste to remove extrinsic stain and plaque from tooth surfaces, including near the gingival margin.

Surface discoloration from foods, beverages, tobacco, or bacteria that sits on the outside of the tooth and can usually be removed by polishing.

Discoloration within the tooth structure from developmental, systemic, or pulpal causes that cannot be removed by coronal polishing.

An abrasive paste used with a rubber cup; grit is chosen by stain level, and the paste must be rinsed and suctioned completely after use.

The edge where the tooth meets the gingiva; polishing here requires a light touch and care to avoid abrading soft tissue or packing paste under the gum.

Injury to gum tissue from a rotating cup, abrasive paste, or excessive pressure during polishing, causing bleeding or soreness.

A stable finger rest used to control the handpiece during polishing and scaling, protecting tissue and preventing sudden slips.

Polishing removes only surface stain and does not whiten intrinsic color, remove calculus, or substitute for scaling and root planing.

A medication applied to mucosa or gingiva to numb surface tissue before injection or for shallow instrumentation; it does not numb deeper nerves.

Placing gel or spray on dried mucosa for the labeled time, usually one to two minutes, then drying and inspecting the site before injection.

Whitening of tissue after topical anesthetic contact, a normal sign of vasoconstriction and surface anesthesia; it should resolve within minutes.

An agent such as epinephrine that narrows blood vessels, slowing absorption and prolonging the effect of local anesthetics; it also appears in some topical products.

Movement of anesthetic from the application site into the bloodstream; excess topical product over a large area can cause toxicity.

The upper limit of anesthetic, usually stated in milligrams per kilogram or as a total amount, that may be given based on patient weight and health.

Asking about past reactions to anesthetics, including esters, amides, and preservatives, before any topical or injectable product is used.

An unwanted response such as rash, swelling, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat after anesthetic use; it must be reported and documented immediately.

A fluoride product applied to teeth to strengthen enamel and help prevent decay; common forms include varnish, gel, foam, and prescription paste.

A concentrated fluoride coating painted on teeth that sets on contact with saliva; it stays in place for hours and is used for high-risk patients and young children.

A thickened fluoride product, often in a tray, applied for a set time; suction and expectoration are needed to limit swallowing.

The return of minerals into demineralized enamel, aided by fluoride, which forms harder, more acid-resistant surfaces and can arrest early lesions.

Illness from swallowing too much fluoride, with nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain; prevention means limiting product amount and keeping it away from children.

Infection-control practices applied to all patients, including hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, and safe handling of sharps and contaminated items.

Barriers such as gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns worn to protect the worker and patient from contact with blood, saliva, and aerosols.

Washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based rub at the right moments, especially before and after glove use and after contact with contaminated items.

Fine airborne particles produced by handpieces and ultrasonic devices that can carry microorganisms; high-volume suction and masks reduce exposure.

A powerful suction tip held near the working area to remove saliva, water spray, and aerosols during polishing, sealing, and other procedures.

Handling needles, blades, and broken glass so they are never recapped by hand or passed loosely; they go directly into a rigid sharps container.

A specific event in which blood or saliva contacts broken skin, mucous membranes, or the eye; it requires immediate washing and reporting per protocol.

Cleaning then applying an EPA-registered disinfectant to clinical surfaces between patients, with barriers used for items that are hard to clean.

Destroying all microorganisms, including spores, on reusable instruments, usually by steam autoclave with monitoring and proper packaging.